The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau has issued a Public Notice seeking additional comment on potential privacy issues involved in georouting for texts to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In October 2024, the Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing to require all wireless providers to implement georouting for all texts to the 988 Lifeline.
Comments received by the Commission raised privacy as an important issue and thus the Bureau seeks additional comment on this specific issue to obtain a more comprehensive record. Specifically, the Bureau seeks further comment on the privacy implications of enabling georouting for texts to the 988 Lifeline, potential risks, and proposed safeguards to bolster the privacy and confidentiality of those that text to the 988 Lifeline.
